Snow can hold a lot of water. To prevent it from becoming a flood problem, you can take several preventative measures:

Avoid having snow drain next to your house. Make sure your downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. One foot of snow on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof can produce approximately 2,500 gallons of water.

Don't allow snow to accumulate on the ground next to your house especially if the ground is flat. As snow melts, water could accumulate and seep in. Your moving accumulated snow just a few feet away from the house can can help avoid a wet basement.

If you have a sump pump, test it periodically and keep it clean from debris. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.

Remove large piles of snow to a well-drained area. A 20-foot diameter, 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water.

The information provided in these articles are only general descriptions and should not be relied upon as complete, correct or accurate for your specific situation. All coverage informaiton is subject to policy provisions, endorsements and may be subject to your meeting underwriting qualifications. Murphy Insurance Agency is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other noninsurance professional services. Consult an appropriate professional for advice regarding your own situation.